E19 Expands with Fourth Lane in Mechelen.. Essential Move to Slash Traffic Congestion

E19 Expansion Adds Fourth Lane in Mechelen to Cut Traffic

The Uilmolenweg faces heavy truck and cut-through traffic, prompting plans to add a fourth E19 lane and possibly close sections to motorized vehicles, sparking local debate.

Marie Dupont6 hours agoLast Update : 6 hours ago

E19 krijgt vierde rijstrook in Mechelen: “Noodzakelijk om verkeersdruk in omliggende buurten te verlichten”

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Traffic congestion on the Uilmolenweg, a key connection between Mechelen-Noord and Mechelen-Zuid, is raising concerns among local residents and authorities. With heavy freight traffic and increasing cut-through vehicles, the need for effective solutions is urgent. The proposed addition of a fourth lane on the E19 motorway is part of the plan, but is it enough to ease the pressure on surrounding neighbourhoods?

6 Key Takeaways

AWV onderzoekt opties om Uilmolenweg te beperken
Vierde rijstrook op E19 wordt aangelegd
MER beoordeelt effecten op verkeer en milieu
Plannen voor nieuwe parallelwegen en afritten
Vlaamse regering beslist over projectfinanciering
Werken starten eind 2028 of 2029

On 2025-07-07 12:39:00, the Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer (AWV) will present detailed plans to the Flemish government, aiming to balance traffic flow and local quality of life. Ideas such as fully closing the Uilmolenweg near Vrijbroekpark to motorised traffic have sparked debate, highlighting the challenge of reducing through traffic without pushing problems elsewhere.

How can Mechelen best tackle these traffic issues while preserving green spaces and pedestrian safety? The upcoming environmental impact report will shed light on the best way forward.

Fast Answer: Mechelen’s plan to add a fourth lane on the E19 and restrict traffic on Uilmolenweg aims to reduce congestion and improve local living conditions, with decisions expected after the 2025 environmental report.

Is limiting motorised traffic on the Uilmolenweg the right move? While it could expand green spaces and create safer crossings, it may also reroute local traffic through residential areas, increasing nuisance. Key points include:

Maintaining and widening the Uilmolenweg cycle path regardless of scenario
Replacing large motorway loops with compact, efficient exits and parallel roads
Using a Dutch-style interchange to improve traffic flow and safety
Engaging the public through dialogue markets before finalising plans

This project is a strategic priority in the Flemish government’s mobility plan, reflecting strong local and regional support for improving traffic flow between Antwerp and Brussels.

As Mechelen prepares for public consultations and final approvals, residents and commuters alike should stay informed and involved. Will these measures deliver smoother journeys and greener neighbourhoods? The coming months will be critical in shaping Mechelen’s traffic future.